Seamus Blackley, the co-creator of Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox video game console and widely seen as the project's father, has resigned from Microsoft, Microsoft and a Blackley spokeswoman said on Monday. "He has left Microsoft to pursue other opportunities,'' said James Bernard, an Xbox spokesman at Microsoft. "We value his contributions.''

Midway Games Inc. a leading software industry publisher and developer, announced today that Gauntlet Dark Legacy for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft will ship tomorrow. Gauntlet Dark Legacy is scheduled to ship in fall 2002 for the Game Boy Advance and is available now for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and the Nintendo GameCube.

Beenox inc. announced today that their new upcoming title, The VATZ, would be shown for the first time at this year Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, booth #6035. The VATZ is a massive action/strategy game powered by the company’s latest 3D technology, the Goliath engine. Featuring intense 3rd-person game play and multiple twisted storylines in a completely original world brought to life by stunning state-of-the-art 3D graphics, The VATZ is sure to offer a unique experience to the gamers out there.

Nintendo today announced that it’s ground breaking new console, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, will launch across Europe on May 3rd at a recommended retail price of 199 Euros, and is expected to retail in the UK at £129 UK pounds. This new price is part of Nintendo’s commitment to offer the consumer an unbeatable proposition (or they feat the Xbox since it dropped price last week!). Nintendo plans to bring the NINTENDO GAMECUBE to market at the best possible price so consumers can feel confident they are getting the best deal at launch.

Tiscali Games got the first video from Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness, next installment of well known third-person action adventure for PC & Playstation2. It contains more than 3 minutes of gameplay scenes, character animations and sketches of locations along with interesting commentary from Core Design development team about changes from previous Lara Croft adventures, enemies, inspiration or background story. Video is available to download (4,5 MB, DivX format) here.

GTA3.COM reports (thanks Fragzone) that a "reliable source" has told them that there will be no support for multiplayer in GTA3:PC. Some time ago, there was a press conference near one of the Take2 Offices, at which the decision was revealed. In compensation for this, GTA3:PC will have other features yet unseen, but no multiplayer. The scheduled release is May 2002.

Wanna drive like an IES agent? Well, Midway recently announced this kewl contest. Here is a clip from the announcement:

We can't give you the G-6155 Interceptor – it's classified! But we did the next best thing – one Grand Prize winner will be the proud new owner of a 2002 BMW Z3 roadster 2.5 base model and will be Midway's special guest for E3 2002. Additionally, five 1st prize winners will win a NintendoTM GameCubeTM AND a copy of SpyHunter. Sign up here! "The Sweepstakes is open to all legal residents of the 48 continental United States"

Wow Entertainment released four new screens from their upcoming XBox title, Sega GT 2002. The game is scheduled for a release later this year in Japan with a to be announced release date for North America.

Dreamcatcher announce a new GORE contest. The contest started April 19th, 2002, at 12:01 P.S.T. and ends May 31st, 2002 at 12:00 midnight P.S.T. Draws will be made on or about June 4, 2002 at 12:01 P.S.T. Representatives from DreamCatcher Interactive Inc., will select the winners from ALL eligible entries submitted by MAY 31, 2002. The names of the winners will be posted at the website on or about JUNE 14, 2002. Find out more here!

Today we announce the winners for our latest contest, "Disciples II: Dark Prophecy". Did you win a copy? Well, find out here. A new contest will be announced soon. So stay tuned!